“Mature Themes”

Check out Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti’s lasted album review here!

Following June 2010’s Before Today as an LP, this album is fairly erratic, and very enjoyable. Pretty goofy at times, but very self-aware, Mature Themes is great as an album if you are down with some funk and pop and a some oddity. I like this whole group of songs together, but one song at a time, as in typical radio format, and they remain stellar. Pick anything and you’ll be treated to a high fidelity, oft-humorous take on the older Ariel quirkiness. The last track is a remake of the Donnie & Joe Emerson slow jam, “Baby”, and is similarly title. Not an APHG original as much as a soulful cover, this song nonetheless rules for slowing your set down for some sincere groove.
Think: Wonky brilliance, in the vain of Zappa at times! It’s so gooood.
REC : 3, 4, 6, 7, 13
FCC: 1, 10
Label: 4AD
Release Date: August 20, 2012
Alex Applegate reviewed this album on August 25, 2012